Pressure Cleaning Techniques

Pressure Cleaning And Concrete Cleaning Techniques

Pressure cleaning is known by several other names such as waterblasting, pressure washing or hydrocleaning and refers basically to the use of water that is propelled at regulated speeds. This is essentially used for cleaning materials and surfaces such as concrete cleaning. When you focus and pressurize the water steam, force gets generated and has the power to remove membranes and sealants from concrete, gum from sidewalks, rubber from runways, paint from highways, metal and walls etc. Cleaning operations using water jetting technology has four standardized methodologies – low pressure, high pressure water cleaning, high pressure water jetting and ultra high pressure water jetting.

Applications

Pressure cleaning is used for surface preparation, airfield rubber removal and general surface concrete cleaning. The cleaning techniques adopted differ according to the surface that needs to be cleaned. It must be understood that employing a wrong technique causes more harm than you can imagine. Cleaning surfaces require some amount of knowledge on the kind of chemicals to use and the amount of pressure to apply. Inexperienced hands can result in unnecessary damage and additional financial costs.

Pressure cleaning becomes effective when combined with cleaning agents. Cleaning agents could be a simple household detergent or bleach solution or plain soap and water. This cleaning agent will help in emulsifying mildew, mold and dirt thereby making washing easier and quicker. It is imperative that these agents make no contact with shrubs and plants while you clean surfaces. If there occurs a contact, make sure that you rinse it off appropriately.

Types of pressure cleaning

In low pressure washing, the pressure levels can be toned down by making use of cleaning agents. Nozzles with larger diameter can be used. This way pressure comes down without making a compromise on the water flow. Less pressure implies lesser damage on the surface. Pressure washers, many a times, imply high pressure washing. Most of these washers have the ability to put out approximately 2500 to 4000 pounds per square inch. Rotary or turbo nozzles work well in high pressure cleaning. Complementing this pressure washer with a surface cleaner is considered to be highly effective. It works best on cemented areas when concrete cleaning like driveways or patios.

In case of high pressure washing, there are two broad categories: one that uses cold water and the other that makes use of hot water. The latter offers extra cleaning power but does not need very high pressure unlike the former. Hot water cleans relatively better when compared to cold water. In this case, a burner is attached to a pressure washer that heats up water. Burners usually run on propane, kerosene or diesel fuel. But care must be taken to ensure the temperature of water since it can cause damage to certain surfaces.

The type or technique of pressure cleaning method that you want to adopt relies heavily on the surface that needs to be cleaned. Also, the choice of method depends upon your usage (domestic or business). When you understand the techniques that can be employed and the associated rules, pressure washing becomes an effective tool for cleaning.

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Engines for Pressure Cleaning

Pressure cleaners come in different sizes. They are available in different sizes so that you may have a good chance of looking for a pressure cleaner that will highly meet your needs in terms of pressure cleaning. Experts in the industry have stated that for most of the cases, the consumers prefer to have smaller pressure cleaners. This is highly recommended for relatively easy tasks like driveway cleaning. Therefore, if you will perform cleaning for larger areas, you are recommended to use larger pressure cleaners with larger engines. This is because they can withstand the demands of the task longer and better than the smaller engines for pressure cleaning.

Cleaning companies have pointed out four main types of engines that are used for your pressure cleaner. The engine that you will prefer to be installed in your pressure cleaner mainly depends on the task that you will be doing. The location where you will perform the task is also a factor that should be considered for pressure cleaning.

Sydney experts have pointed out the gasoline powered engines as the first type of engine for your unit. This engine is ideal when you need to perform power washing on areas that do not have electrical supply. Another situation that this is highly recommended is when access to an electrical power supply is impractical. A good example of this is when you are about to perform water blasting on roofs and gutters.

This engine is a good attachment to your unit if you are dealing with large areas. These engines give off water with the strongest amounts of pressure. The pressure that your pressure cleaner gives off usually measures per square inch. Aside from providing you with shorter cleaning periods, the gasoline powered engines of pressure cleaners also provide you with ease of manipulating the entire unit for a better experience in pressure washing.

Maintenance companies also recognize the engines that are powered with diesel as another type that can do wonders. Usually, these engines are used for heavy duty jobs such as driveway cleaning much larger areas. Compared to the gasoline powered engines, they have increased water flow rate but increased pressure output for the water that jets out of the unit. Recently, this type of pressure washing engine has been popular with contractors. This is because it is known to effectively and efficiently perform large area pressure cleaning. Experts have stressed out that the engines that are powered by electricity are the most common type of pressure cleaning engine. This is highly recommended if you are planning to conduct pressure cleaning within an area that has accessible power supply. This is also the type of pressure cleaning engine that has the widest range of task that can be done. You may choose from a wide array of those that can perform light duty to those that can perform heavy tasks.

The last among the types is the hydraulic pressure cleaner. Because of its bulky nature, this is normally utilized in mining sites, construction sites, or farms. For this type, you will need to use a wand, a heavy duty trigger and a hose that measures up to 40 feet.

High Pressure Cleaning – Hot Water Vs Cold Water

If you have a cleaning task at home and it is not something that can be handled manually, you may want to make use of pressure cleaning. Power washers are of different kinds. They could range from your basic domestic cleaners to more advanced models that are used in commercial projects. The most commonly used ones are the hot water and cold water pressure washers. While both are effective for common domestic cleaning tasks, hot water washers are usually considered a lot more effective.

This article sheds light on the striking differences between the two high pressure cleaning methods and the benefits they have to offer. A hot water washer comprises of a burner (typically run on diesel fuel or kerosene or could even be powered by electricity or natural gas) that heats water in excess of even 200 degrees. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to safety precautions while handling the equipment. Such models are quite huge and weigh more than 1000 lbs. On the contrary, cold water washers are small and portable machines.

The reason for their portability is that they have no burner and hence water temperature remains constant. These machines, therefore, are safer when compared to hot water washers. Another important difference between the two pressure cleaners is the surface on which they can be used. Hot water washers cannot be used on all surfaces. They work very well on cleaning solid surfaces such as concrete and help in removing oil or gum without creating damage of any kind.

They are ideal on walkways, sidewalks and driveways that are frequented by people and automobiles. They are actually useful when you do not intend to involve cleaning agents or detergents. Therefore, these machines are environmentally safe and beneficial since solvents are likely to release toxins in the environment. Also, hot water pressure cleaners are good options for quickening the cleaning process and helps in saving a lot of time. These power washers are at least five times more effective as compared to cold water power washers.

Cold water washers on the other hand are great for domestic cleaning operations. When combined with suitable cleaning agents, they can clean any type of siding like aluminum, stucco, drivit, vinyl etc. Cold water washers can be used on pool decks, patios, walkways, or porches as long as there is no gum or oil stains. Hot water washers cannot necessarily be used on surfaces that are not hard. The pressure of water and the temperature may cause the surface to break or give away. In such cases, cold water washers come in handy.

High Pressure cleaning is a great option for cleaning different kinds of surfaces. It helps in removing stains of any kind. The most important point to consider is the type of equipment to be used. This largely depends upon identification of the stain and the surface that needs to be cleaned. When these two elements are determined, completing the cleaning process is not too difficult and can also be done in a relatively short time period.

Pressure Cleaning Guide

Cleaning surfaces becomes easy and quick when you pressure clean them. Pressure cleaning is a comprehensive cleaning method, which erases all kinds of stains from all kinds of surfaces. You can either pressure clean the surfaces of your house yourself or engage the services of a professional pressure cleaner. In whichever case, you need to keep certain things in mind.

Some regions have regulations for water usage. If your place of residence falls under water restrictions, then do not breach the law and be careful about the amount of water you use.

Pressure cleaning is done using high pressure jets of water. The first step in pressure cleaning is to acquire equipment. If you want to hire a machine, then ensure that it contains all the accessories like nozzles of different sizes. Nozzles are available in four sizes – zero, fifteen, twenty five and forty degrees. Also, check the pressure of water coming out of the nozzle. The machine should contain a pressure gauge to indicate the pressure setting. The machines should be able to spew out at least four gallons of water per minute.

After you get the equipment, read the usage instructions and understand them. If you have a doubt, you can contact the place from which, you hired the machine. You need to learn how the pressure, speed and volume of water can be set on the machine. Do not allow children to use the pressure cleaner. Since water pressure is very high, the rebound velocity of water can be too much for children to handle.

Safety is of prime importance and hence, ensure that you are well protected. You need to wear goggles and a breathing mask. The clothes you wear should cover your whole body instead of shorts and t-shirts. Check for fuel and oil leaks from the pressure cleaning machine and make sure that the nozzles and hoses are tightly fitted to the machine before you start the machine.

Before beginning to pressure clean, clear the surface of everything like debris, vehicles, flower pots and any other materials. Also, ensure that drains are clear so that water logging can be prevented. Keep children and pets away from the cleaning area and do not point the nozzle directly at any person.

You should know the correct ratio in which, detergents, chemicals and disinfectants are to be mixed with water. Every product has its own mixing ratio, which is specified by the manufacturer on the packaging.

Once you start the machine, hold it at a steady angle. Do not use pressure cleaning while standing on elevated surfaces like walls, sloping surfaces like roof tiles or ladders. The high pressure of water can make you lose balance. To obtain best results, you can use overlapping strokes for cleaning. You will have to direct the water jet for longer time in regions where there are stains. Begin from the highest point while cleaning flat surfaces. While cleaning walls, begin from the top and gradually, bring the nozzle down. Clean in a single direction and do not move up and down the surface.

After thorough cleaning, let the surfaces dry completely before treating them further with sealing or painting.

Importance Of High Pressure Cleaning Your Exterior

People spend a lot of time and money decorating and cleaning the interior of their houses. Unfortunately, the exteriors end up being neglected. Maintaining the cleanliness of the exteriors of the house is as important as maintaining the interiors. Several methods can be adopted to keep the exteriors clean. However, among the different techniques available for cleaning exterior surfaces, high pressure cleaning service is the most effective in getting rid of all kinds of impurities.

Unclean exteriors are unhygienic

Exterior surfaces are exposed to extreme weather conditions like severe sun, heavy rains, hailstorms, snow and frost. Gradually, they begin to develop a weather beaten look, which if left unattended, can lead to growth of moss, algae and turn into breeding places for micro organisms.

Building materials like wood begin to rot and crumble, leading to further development of disease causing germs. Vinyl is a common material used in the exterior design of the house. Wind blowing around the house tends to deposit dirt and other organic matter from surrounding area on vinyl, which leads to the formation of molds. For people suffering with asthma and other breathing disorders, unclean exteriors are potential hazards. Therefore, keeping the exteriors clean is not only important for aesthetic appeal but also for hygiene of the house.

Clean exteriors are welcoming

Clean home exteriors add an instant charm and enhance the visual appeal of the home. House exteriors and driveways are the mirror to the house. Since they are the first components that visitor’s notice, clean exteriors build a positive image of the house. Black moldy spots and creeping algae lend a very shabby look to the house and ruin its aesthetic appeal.

Driveways are an important element of the house. In a way, they act like a red carpet for your guests. Therefore, driveway cleaning should be awarded appropriate importance. However, due to heavy movement of vehicles and exposure to dirt and pollution, driveways tend to accumulate dirt and grime. The best way of cleaning driveways is by the use of high pressure cleaning service, which removes even the most stubborn stains effectively.

High pressure cleaning for keeping exteriors sparkling

Pressure cleaning is the method of getting rid of dirt and grime from surfaces by use of water jets. When pressures exceeding 10,000psi are used to clean surfaces, it is called high pressure cleaning. In order to make cleaning more effective, chemicals and detergents are added to water. The disinfecting agents used in pressure cleaning helps in destroying the germs that grow on unclean surfaces and make exteriors hygienic.

Clean home exteriors reflect the personality of the owners. There is no grudging the fact that maintaining the cleanliness of house exteriors is a tough task, especially if your house is multi-storied. Using pressure cleaning for cleaning driveways and external spaces simplify the process of maintaining cleanliness. You can employ professions high pressure cleaners to get the job done efficiently. You also save a lot of time, which you and your family can spend together, enjoying the freshness and positive vibes that fill a scrubbed and clean house.

Different Nozzles for Different Pressure Cleaning Purposes

A nozzle in a pressure cleaning is as important as the machine itself; without the nozzle, the machine is useless. Nozzle creates the pressure and gives you the desired performance. There are different types of nozzles but in order to use them properly, you have to know for what and when they are used. Experiment with different nozzles with different surfaces to learn about the capabilities of a pressure cleaning unit and its accessories.

Basically, the nozzles are of three types – MEG type, Quick Disconnect type and Black Tip type. MEG generates the highest impact at the exiting tips. Pressure increases when the surface is away, though a good force for effective cleaning could be created with a distance of 4-12 inches. In Quick Disconnect nozzles, the operator can choose from a range of angles, making them versatile. Black Tip nozzles have the largest orifices to resist the water, granting them low pressure tips. By using all these nozzles, the stress to the machine increases. But, the advantages are a lot and hard to overlook.

A pressure washing unit is an incomplete machine unless a nozzle is attached to influence the spray angle. To make the best use of the service nozzles provide, you need to keep changing the nozzles for different jobs. Sometimes, when you’re working on a smaller area, choosing a smaller nozzle would make your job faster, easier. Vice versa is the case in larger areas. However, adjustable nozzles fulfill the purpose of cleaning moderate areas. The various sizes of the nozzle provide different streams so it is blatantly important that you get as specific as possible in choosing a nozzle.

It is apparent that a pressure washing machine uses huge pressure to clean a surface. While some surfaces can cope with the pressure, others are too delicate for it. Thus, the pressure blows the face up. For the same reason, you can’t use the same nozzle everywhere. A special pressure is requires to get rid of the debris and in a certain way. Hence, there is a need to change the nozzle as and when requisite.

On the other hand, sometimes some areas are messier than others and they require a more direct spray. It could be easier to understand the nozzles and it’s working once you’ve comprehended the amount of pressure the area needs and which nozzle would work the best, before you take a shot at washing it. Remember to start with little pressure and increase it gradually. This would ensure the safety of both you and the surface.

There are special pressure water nozzles to make cleaning painless. There are nozzles that could be mixed with chemicals and ones that are long distance to allow the user to reach distances. Maintaining a nozzle is also when you have accessories like brass cleaning tools to help it from getting clogged. Every nozzle used in pressure cleaning has its pros and cons. Like they say, every coin has two heads – you just need to find the right and most apposite one for your cleaning, depending on the task at hand.

R&R did an excellent job in cleaning every inch of our building, not only in immediate surroundings but the parking lot and drive-thru as well!

Quick, clean service

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reply: thank you allison for your business and kind words..

Allison in kendall

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